Management of inadvertent vertebral artery injury due to central venous catheterization in a coagulopathic patient

Acute Med Surg. 2015 Nov 29;3(3):265-267. doi: 10.1002/ams2.177. eCollection 2016 Jul.

Abstract

Case: A 72-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit for severe pancreatitis with coagulopathy. He underwent hemodialysis catheter insertion into the internal jugular vein that subsequently leaked arterial blood; vertebral artery cannulation was suspected following a computed tomography scan.

Outcome: Under angiographic guidance, the catheter was removed, and an arteriovenous fistula was identified. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular embolization of the affected vertebral artery with detachable coils and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

Conclusion: Despite ultrasound guidance, vertebral cannulation can occur, which can result in serious complications. Prompt management is needed to prevent further sequelae. Endovascular embolization with detachable coils and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate appears to be an effective option for vertebral artery injury in patients with coagulopathy.

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistulae; N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate; coagulopathy; endovascular techniques; jugular veins.

Publication types

  • Case Reports